Back Pain - What to Say when Visiting the Doctor

Are you like many of us when you pay a visit to the doctor and forget half of what you meant to say? 

Explaining your symptoms well will help your doctor.

First, make a list of all the things that you want to mention or discuss.

Secondly, if you are wanting to describe the type of pain or discomfort that you've been experiencing, consider:-

1.  Where is the pain?  Your back?  In the centre, lower or upper back.  Does it affect movement in your neck?  Are your shoulders painful or tight too?  Is the pain radiating from one area, is it sharp or throbbing?

2.  What type of pain?  Is it consistent, sporadic or recurrent (i.e. it comes and goes).  Do you just feel numb in one area?

A full description of your symptoms will help the doctor to diagnose your problem far better and a little preparation on your part about what you need to say will enable them to prescribe some medication that will ease your pain.

Further Resources

Back Pain Products - ergonomically designed chairs and orthopaedic mattresses can help prevent recurrences of back strain

Pain Relief for Upper Back & Neck - when do you need to seek professional help and when can home treatment work?